“I’m never going to quarrel with Polly; she never quarrels back,” she said aloud.
“That’s because she is fourteen years old,” came the laughing response, and the surprised Roxy nearly fell from the swing when she found Polly standing close beside her.
“Oh, Polly! I am going to be just like you when I am fourteen!” declared Roxy, but Polly shook her head.
“You won’t have red hair,” she responded; “but what a fine swing!” and she looked at the long stout ropes, and then off across the quiet valley, and Roxy noticed that her friend’s face was very sober.
“What’s the matter, Polly?” she asked.
“Oh, Roxy! My father has started to join McClellan’s army, and Mr. Greaves has gone with him and Mr. Hinham. They went early this morning. There is news that the Confederate soldiers under General Jackson are advancing against General Pope’s army, and——”
But before Polly could say another word Roxy was out of the swing exclaiming:
“My father is with General Pope! Oh, Polly!”
Polly’s arm was about Roxy’s shoulders and for a moment the little Yankee girl and the Maryland girl stood looking into each other’s eyes.
“Yes, Roxy. But isn’t it splendid that our fathers are both fighting in the Union Army?” said Polly. “I came over to tell you about it.”